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Soft Vermillion lights curiously breached their way into a cluttered room.
They found intrigue in the disfigurement of the claustrophobic space, peaking underneath a counter only to find the floor a mess of sheet music and foreign plastic. It didn't possess the patience to actually view the music nor trash, finding a quick glance to be sufficient to its ever growing curiosity. It took a while for the small light to weave through numerous books of unknown origins, dived between the music filled paper that laid in entropy atop a table, and to tip-toe atop woven sheets before noticing a face. Curious as the light was, it gently lit the uppermost portion of said face, finding a mess of red hair and dark skin.
It jumped back as the figure shifted, hearing a soft groan as the boy cuddled in on himself further, finding the new dawn's light a nuisance to his peaceful sleep. The light giggled at the action of the sleeping boy, touching the upper back region of his skin just to quickly cover it in the next moment, similar to that of a paint splatter on the sidewalk. The flame-ridden man seemed to take the joke to heart, letting out more frustrated grumbles and hiding his back behind the protective cover of a blanket. The light stood perplexed now, tapping its imaginary foot with the frustration of a cartoon character plotting their next mischievous deed.
With sudden rigor it lunged at the sleeping man, covering his entire body in a sheath of bright light. He let out an agitated groan, lifting himself with reluctance before glancing around the cluttered room. There wasn't much to expect out of the mess, not like it'd suddenly grow wings and shuffle itself into a clean, perfect space. His left hand began to search within the abundance of sheets, stretching and grabbing at random lumps all to hopefully find his phone. Agitation started to brew in his chest as he spent way too long searching for the lost phone. With rage he ripped the sheets off of his body to find the device laying right beside his thighs in a mocking manner, causing the red head to grip his sheets to avoid yelling out a scream.
He picked up the cool device, turning it on to get an idea of the time. His eyes were still heavy with lost slumber as he focused his gaze, placing the screen right above his eyes. After a moment of an intense stare down with the glowing screen his eyes locked on the clear 6:51 AM written in large, white letters over the screen.
Without a moment's pause Fire Spirit was lunging out of the comfort of his bed, gliding across the mess of sheet music and grabbing whatever clothes his hands happened to touch first. Without even a moment of consideration he was in the bathroom, a toothbrush with obnoxiously minty toothpaste in his mouth while simultaneously shoving on the clothes he grabbed. He spit out the mix of saliva and toothpaste while grabbing his foundation, clearing the inside of his mouth with a wash while applying said foundation over his face. He quickly moved onto the eyeshadow, ditching his usual extravagant look and putting on a sufficient amount to match his usual look. With a tug of a hair tie dyed red hair fell against his sides, quickly being brushed a sufficient amount and let loose. He added some concealer to the dark spots beneath his eyes and screamed out of the bathroom with a loud slam of his door.
He was greeted with the beauty of a post-practice chaos in his room, the same music he was ready to tear the other day out of sheer rage now laid elegantly on the floor, practically blinking at him with innocent mockery. He shook his head at the view, gripping whatever music he thought he'd need that day and shoved it in his binder before taking the binder and putting it in his backpack. He slung the bag over his shoulder and made a quick detour to grab his keys before bursting out the door and down the stairs, his breath mangled with exhaustion.
“Fire Ssssssspirit? Up sssssssso late?” A voice asked from across the kitchen as the red haired man grabbed himself a cup of yogurt, catching him off guard as he turned around to see his father sitting there innocently. “Did you oversssssssleep?”
“Yes, I did” he stated, sighing with agitation before grabbing a spoon. “The competition is next week, you know how things are.” He replied, now shoving his face with the fermented dairy as he put on his shoes.
“I can drive you today if that helpssssss you get more prepared.” He responded, setting down the spoon that he was using to feed his half sibling, Snap Dragon. The young one took great offense to the action, her cheeks turning red as she prepared to unleash a fury of anger at the man.
“Ehhhhh, you drive too slow” he quickly stated, hoping the excuse would be sufficient to the old man “and you play embarrassing music.” He shrugged, glancing at himself in the mirror in front of him to correct his hair.
With a sigh of defeat, Pitaya Dragon continued to feed the young child in the chair, his gaze distant. “Your jacket issssss insssssside out” he commented, sipping on some coffee beside himself before glancing at the boy. Fire Spirit made a noise of shock, quickly shoving off the jacket and flipping it to the correct manner before shoving it back on. “Goodbye then Ember” he stated, returning his attention to the young man.
“Adieu” he stated dramatically, quickly doing a joking salute before rushing out the door. The cold morning air welcomed him first, causing his posture to suddenly become rigged with the shock. He didn't let it stop him for too long, within no time returning to his original rushed pace and practically lunging into his car. It wasn't exactly his car, more like his late mother's, but that didn't stop the engine from taking an obnoxiously long time to warm. With a sigh of defeat he slumped back in his chair, taking his phone and checking the time only to see 7:05 AM. While getting ready in the record time of fourteen minutes was definitely a new feat for him, that didn't change the fact that with the twelve minute drive he'd be late.
With the engine warmed enough to start running, he was off. The way to his school has become second nature to him, not really being something he thought about while driving to the hell hole. His mind drifted off to other more important things, such as the project due next week, or perhaps the big test that was going to occur tomorrow in his language class, alternatively, the competition. He had been dreading it ever since he got the sheet music, cursing every composer who dared to shove endless runs in his parts. They truly must've been a masochist, for no sane being with a loving family would ever torture an instrument in such a manner. He had more solos than he could count on both his hands and toes and yet somehow, the teacher said they needed more music.
As much as he loved Mrs. Sugar, she was insane, and he stood by that. No sane being shoves music in a bunch of junior’s faces as much as she does, the copious amounts starting to feel like an ocean he was actively drowning in. Much less, the big band competition he was dreading was in a week, and a week too close. He could feel himself dreading that day daily, practicing until his embouchure was dead and his words incomprehensible. It was a poor response to stress he happened to develop, one that, according to the teachers, was good. He didn't know what was exactly good in practicing until his fingers were red and exhaustion wracked every bone in his body, but again, the teachers at his school always felt like degenerates.
His session of hate was interrupted by the inevitable, almost evil gates of his school welcoming his soul. He dreaded every day there, finding it more like a prison than a place to get education. What much was there to be said, the teachers were all horrid and for some strange reason had no comprehension that the students had lives as well. They assigned homework like it was sleep, copious amounts everyday, even on the weekends. He was exhausted, it wasn't like the homework was hard anyways, just obnoxiously easy in lethal doses.
With a dramatic sigh he exited the car, carelessly closing the door and swinging his bag over his backside. Lost sleep still crawled at the edges of his skin, soft pleading for the familiar silk sheets that peacefully surrounded his skin. He ignored the begging, making his way to the main school gate with practiced ease.
“Fire?” A seemingly familiar voice called out, catching the red head's attention as he turned to glance at whomever called his nickname. He was met with the familiar sight of his close friend Stormy as she tugged her suitcase of a backpack on her shoulders. “Well you look under the weather” she commented with a light hearted chuckle, patting said man's back harshly.
“Overslept,” he mumbled, sighing before glancing at his best friend, “too much music, too little time.” She patted his back, nodding along with his complaints before shrugging.
“Damn, that Mrs. Sugar really has it out for you huh?” She joked, watching as the red one laughed along. “All I ever hear about her is nightmare fuel, after all.”
“Oh definitely, she's as terrifying as terrifying gets” he chuckled. “One time she broke a kid's dead reed after they complained too much about it.” He shrugged slightly “plus I think she likes my step mom, like a lot.”
“Really? Mrs. Holly Berry? I thought she married your dad” she mumbled, tapping her lip as she debated on it “well, I'll give it to her, your step mom is pretty.”
“THAT'S MY MOM" he exclaimed, looking at his best friend in shock as she broke into a fit of laughter “what is wrong with you dude.”
“Can a woman not have a type?” She wiped the stray tears that fell from her laughter, looking back up at him. “She's also really hot.”
“Talking about an adult by the way” he stated, jokingly sneering at her before sighing dramatically. He looked up at the clock in one of the hallways, gasping at the number before grabbing the other “shit, we're late.”
“We are??” She asked, looking at the clock herself before practically sprinting ahead. “Shit band is about to start!” She exclaimed a little too loud, one of the hallway monitors shooting her a glare.
“Dude look around yourself before exclaiming stuff” he sighed, tugging her forward “and yes we're about to be late perhaps that's why I said it earlier genius.”
“Geez, sassy” she joked before receiving a flick at her forehead she paused for a moment, offense written on her Facebook before quickly changing to play fullness, slapping the red one on his back harshly to where he paused.
“Hey! That was unfair!” He remarked back playfully, chuckling before pinching her side. She gasped dramatically, going in to grab his nose only to pause as a loud nose rang across the hall. “Shit, was that the bell?” He asked slowly, being met with a face of fear as she nodded quickly, pulling him along.
“Cmon! Run!” She exclaimed, now pulling him instead. He didn't give any sassy remark back, instead chasing after her quickly with the hopes to not receive a tardy.
—
There really wasn't much to do in band but play music.
He found it hilarious that he was stating such like it was some great discovery, the hint of a smile spreading across his face as he giggled to himself. Moonlight merely gave him a small side eye, glancing at his music with the hopes to see something she'd also find amusing to in fact, find nothing. Her gaze shifted up to meet the first clarinet, his eyes locked on the oboe player with annoyance and yet the slightest hint of fondness.
“What's so funny?” She whispered, tuning out the teacher who was busy instructing her younger brother how to properly play his tuba. The oboe paused for a moment, going wide eyed as he realized the woman was in fact asking him.
“Uhhh, I thought of something funny?” He offered, earning a soft sigh followed by a glance at his music. “Why are you so curious hm??”
“You're laughing like a hyena” she replied straight forwardly before pointing at a random measure in his music “also you're the echo over here again.” She tapped the sheet a few times “I come in a beat before you.”
“You're kidding? Who makes the oboe echo?” He replied, sighing before marking “ECHO” on his sheet, then adding a small dash where she came in. “Thanks Moonlight.”
“Your welcome” she chuckled ever so softly, returning to mindlessly fingering through her music. He looked at the large text on his music, huffing as he also went to finger through his part.
The class went on just as always, Mrs. Sugar lectured some other section about a mistake they made and told someone else to play more dynamically. It was a bit boring, being the great oboe player he was, to just sit there. There were a few times they played together, in tune harmonies blessing the ears of the room's inhabitants, but they were short lived. At some point he decided to finger through a piece he was preparing for a solo competition, silently cursing Hindemith and his stupid accidentals. It wasn't like he couldn't do it, rhythmically the piece was self explanatory and simple, merely the man had an obsession with quick octave jumps and specifically shifts from Eb to Db, something that was incredibly annoying with his oboe.
He paused as the teacher directed attention back at herself, shuffling through some pages before opening the God forsaken music book. “So, due to the nature of the competition next Friday, we're practically required to have and prepare about seven pieces. Our current seventh one is most definitely not at our skill level. Given it is a weekend, I greatly hope you're all able to practice through this piece and have it somewhat prepared by Monday.” She explained before pausing, looking through the parts “we have a flute solo, trumpet soli, and an oboe and clarinet duet, so definitely practice those firsts and trumpets.” She stated, handing the music to some of the kids who helped her pass it out.
“You're kidding.” Fire Spirit mumbled, watching as a brand new sheet of music grazed his stand. It was mockery in its purest form, ignoring the insane amounts of practice he did the past night just to shove another music sheet in his face. He glanced at Wind Archer, feeling the slightest bit of disgust yet mostly annoyance as he tapped at the large section labeled “solo” for him. “My house or yours?”
“Hm?” He replied, taking his eyes off of his sheet music to follow the other's finger and finally note the spot to where it pointed. “Mine this time, although we may have to do it on Saturday, I'm busy today.” He hummed to himself, continuing to finger through the music. Fire Spirit found himself annoyed, rolling his eyes before returning to his music. “Geez, do you have to be so dramatic?”
“And who're you speaking to?” Asked Fire Spirit, receiving a glance from the emerald eyes followed by the gentlest nail against his chest. “Me?” He exclaimed, earning a nod. “You're bloody insane. You're the annoying one.”
“And all you ever seem to care about is your competitions.” He shot back, glaring at the man with red hair “perhaps think a bit more next time before you go express such unbridled anger at everyone and everything.”
“You're talking?” He laughed, holding onto his sides before rolling his eyes. “Get a life.”
“Fire” Sea Fairy said from behind him, “and Wind, stop fighting for the love of God, go practice your music.” She stated with a dramatic huff.
Fire Spirit took the advice, only sparing one more glance at the Archer who quietly fingered through his part as well. Sometimes he wished he could find a way to shut the man up, him and his annoying attitude that never shut up. Band class continued as normal after that, a quick play though followed by being given instructions on what to primarily practice that weekend. Fire Spirit spent most of that time in a haze, his eyes locked on the bright light at the top of the room as his mind yearned for the sweet blessing of sleep. For now, he was forced to sit there aimlessly, awaiting to be saved by the bell.
—
Lunch time rolled around towards the end of the day, a familiar tray of slop awaiting him. He let out a soft yet dramatic sigh, just as always, gently squeezing the excuse of a hot dog between his fingers just to witness the bread springing back to its full form again, something actual bread would most definitely not do. He didn't care anymore, hunger made itself far too prevalent in his stomach for his mind to even consider what he was about to eat anyways. With a butt load of ketchup and mustard he ate the sorry thing, listening to the conversations around him carefully.
“Frickla is doing great, she's eating super well even though she just moved! You usually don't find lizards doing that, especially after such a high stress experience!” Rambled on Starch Noodle, it was almost impossible to hear her not talking about one of her many animals “I was even able to practice a little without scaring her!”
“Oh wow” commented Mala Sauce, chuckling “my cat scrams the second I pick up my trombone… poor guy.” She stated, earning a laugh from the girl beside her. “Then once I finish he comes back into my room and voices his disapproval loudly before laying on my lap, silly guy” she stated, chuckling softly.
“Moonlight's cat finds my tuba soothing.” Stardust joined in, tapping his lip. “Once he tried to sleep in the tube, that obviously didn't go well.” Moonlight laughed along, clearly remembering the story as well.
“And that's why you keep your tuba in the case now, right Stardust?” Her younger brother rolled his eyes, returning to the food before him with a sigh.
Storm bringer directed her attention back to the very sorrow looking boy beside her, watching as Fire Spirit slowly pricked his food while sighing dramatically. “You alright?” She asked while the other kept talking, catching the man off guard and making him notice her before replying with a sigh.
“Yeah, just stress and stuff.” He replied, right before receiving a hit straight in his stomach that knocked the wind out of him. “WHAT WAS THAT FOR?” He exclaimed, witnessing as the other broke into a fit of laughter.
“You seemed under the weather, had to brighten your mood in some manner.” She stated before promptly receiving a slap on her back, giggling.
“Well good morning Fire Spirit, I thought you were out of it.” Moonlight stated, chuckling along with Storm bringer. “You were looking at the table like it stole your lunch money.”
“Whatever you say” he laughed it off, tapping his finger. “How do we feel about the new band piece?” He asked, watching as Star Coral dramatically fell against the table.
“Good Lord don't even get me started” she laughed sarcastically “oh how exhilarating! Another piece right before the concert!”
“Right? Like how insane must you be to throw it at us so randomly?” Mala Sauce joined in, flailing her arms around. “Yes! I'm so excited to fail! Hooray!”
“It's alright I guess, the tuba part doesn't look too hard.” Stardust stated, then thinking for a moment “there are some high parts though.”
“Some? Only some for you?” Sea Fairy asked, sighing dramatically “most of it is so high for me I can't even stay in tune. Plus, it’s just runs.”
“Thank God I'm not the only one with runs.” Star Coral replied, sighing softly “like who even gives a french horn that many runs?”
The talking at the table was slowly reduced to complaining about Mrs. Sugar, something that, while Fire Spirit absolutely wished to participate in, merely lacked the energy to join in. He chose to just stare at the table again, his mind wandering to the green haired clarinet player he hated so much. He didn't really hate him, more just avoiding him like the plague because of competitive reasons.
Admittedly, if anything, the guy was rather attractive. His arms had great muscle definition, something the occasional T-shirt he wore practically stretched over. He sometimes felt jealous of the tight clothes, the lucky fabric getting to hug that picture perfect frame instead of Fire Spirit, mockery indeed. His hair was also dyed green, something the red head never expected from him of all kids. He'd known him since 6th grade when they both joined band together, the guy an embodiment of the goody two-shoes personality. It wasn't like he hated it, he merely found the constant chastising annoying. Fire Spirit wasn't stupid, he was far from it, merely a gifted kid who didn't care much for school. He found himself in his oboe, having picked up the instrument right after his parent's divorce and mother's death. Perhaps his music was an embodiment of his feelings, having had no better place to store them in than the sorrow songs he'd play from time to time.
He decided to become the best at oboe out of mere want, isolating himself from his father and his new wife to just practice. Back in middle school he had an unhealthy habit of practicing day and night, refusing to stop until everything hurt or when his father would enter to demand him to stop. Such a habit caused another less beneficial effect, he began to under eat, a lot. Storm Bringer had commented on his frail frame numerous times back then, and yet she found herself lost. She tried to give him food yet every time he'd reject, stating he wasn't hungry or for her to eat it instead. Eventually that stupid Wind Archer caught on even. He'd bring him a fresh lunch every day after school straight to his doorstep. At first he refused, leaving it to spoil there and waiting for the Archer to pick it up the next day and give up, yet he didn't. Every time the time struck three a fresh new bag would await at his doorstep, and one day he finally decided to take it in.
The food was delicious, even though it was a simple salad and cooked meat. That exact meal helped him return to a proper weight, the man having practically lured him out of the disorder. As much as he wanted to thank him, the competitive part of his brain only let him make a quick snarky comment before returning to his competitive self. And yet, the Archer never stopped. Every time he'd realize the other was going through something and was neglecting himself he'd do something to aid him, it got to the point where Fire Spirit tried to pay him back in cash just to find it in the bag the next day. Sometimes the archer would look at him like he was stars that adorned the sky, silently yearning for him even across the cafeteria. The red one ignored it, as always, returning to his food quickly and forgetting about anything relating to the archer.
A loud ring pulled him out of his thoughts, glancing around to see the other's already finished lunches. He panicked for a moment, grabbing the half consumed hot dog and shoving it in the trash before swinging his backpack over his shoulder and following along with the crowd who were leaving the cafeteria. He caught a glimpse of the emerald eyed man looking at him from the distance, ignoring it with a sigh and going on to his next period hastily.
—
Later in the afternoon Fire Spirit had decided to stay a few minutes after school to get some quick practice in, sitting in one of the rooms. It had a glass door, primarily in case a kid was trying to skip class or something so Mrs. Sugar could quickly identify them and ask the kid to leave. After school though they made great empty and quiet rooms, Fire Spirit having found a fondness in practicing there instead of the noisy atmosphere within his home.
He glanced out of the glass after warming up, hoping to see Storm Bringer or maybe Stardust only to see Wind Archer talking to Mrs. Sugar. He curiously scooted himself to get a better view of the man, feeling the slightest lump forming in his throat. The man's hair was rather short yet well kept, slight waves adorning his face that bounced whenever he made a gesture. The muscles in his arms would constantly flex as he moved them, reminding the spirit just how fit the man was. Sometimes he'd place his hands on his hips and would outline some of his waist from beneath the thick layer that was made by the vest he wore. Fire Spirit found himself fawning over the man like a teenage girl, his cheeks becoming a deep red as he continued watching him speak, making sure to pay close attention to every movement.
Eventually he finished, thanking the woman numerous times and pulling his backpack back on himself. As he was starting to head out he noticed Fire Spirit's maroon eyes on himself, giving him a quick glance filled with fondness and waving, all to be met with a roll of the eye from the red head. He quickly lifted his stand so that the other couldn't see him. He could hear a soft laugh come from outside the practice room, letting out a huff of agitation and returning to his music.
Idiot.
—
He returned home quietly, opening the door with a sigh before glancing around the kitchen to find Holly Berry busy with feeding Snapdragon. He glanced around for a few more seconds, noticing Pitaya not too far away chopping vegetables for a soup. It felt very foreign for him to see such a quiet yet affectionate mood from his father, the man wearing a smile as he tossed in the vegetables, glancing back at Holly Berry a few times while doing so with genuine love.
Fire Spirit slowly stepped into the room, clearing his throat before gesturing outside “tomorrow I'll go to Wind Archer's house” he stated, his voice a sharp blade that cut through the comfortable silence. Pitaya quickly glanced back at him, nodding before returning to the soup. The red one stood there for a few awkward moments, glancing at his step mother who looked at him with a smile.
“Fire Spirit, mind feeding Snap Dragon? I need to get her some more yogurt before she realizes I'm about to use up this container.” She let out a hearty laugh at her own words, a large grin spreading across her features. He took a long moment, examining her before nodding, sitting down in the other chair beside Snapdragon. “Thank you so much dear, I swear it'll be quick.”
“Alright” he replied, feeding the far too enthusiastic seven month old who vacuumed the food from the spoon. “Geez, don't choke now.” He stated, being shocked by how fast she consumed the food.
“Oh don't be too surprised, I think she got your dad's genes.” She teased, watching as Pitaya shot her a playful look. “Here I already have the other,” she pointed to the small yogurt container, opening it up and taking the spoon from Fire Spirit's hand.
“Alright, I'll go then.” He stated, standing up to make his way to his room. He flung his backpack somewhere into the void of his shelves before jumping straight into the plush of pillows, letting out a satisfied groan as he enjoyed the softness. He dug in his pants pocket for his phone, pulling out the small device and turning it on to see a singular text notification. He cocked an eyebrow with intrigue before opening it, noticing the sender was Wind Archer himself.
Are you alright if we go to a restaurant after practicing tomorrow?
Fire Spirit paused at the message, his fingers hovering just above the keyboard as he debated his next words.
Together?
He asked, pathetically, cursing himself for the message. Right as he was about to go delete it he saw the small typing icon at the left side of his screen, giving up and awaiting the next message.
Yes
I can pay
The red head paused, his eyebrows furrowing as he stared at the messages. With such suddenness and passion he'd imagine he was being taken out on a date.
Uhm, alright.
Come to my house at 5 PM then
K
He closed his phone quickly, shoving it to the side of himself as he stared at the ceiling, glancing around the room. Who the hell invites an enemy to eat together? Was he plotting something? Did he want to kill him? Fire Spirit's body shivered with the train of thoughts, sighing before lifting himself. His hand instinctively took the phone again, reading through the messages once more but more carefully now, checking for any possible hints of I'll intent. None were found, just genuine questions.
Strange.
The spirit set down his phone more carefully this time, his brain a jumble of distrust at the suddenness of the request. Yet, he had already agreed, and faking sickness knowing his father was too complicated. He gave up with a sigh, staring at his wall before falling against the floor with defeat, grumbling. He was met with no other option but to practice his oboe and pray whatever watched him from above for mercy.
—
He arrived at the home a minute before five, looking up at the nice house silently before clicking the doorbell. The Archer's house was nice frankly, both of their parents made about the same salaries anyways, merely Fire Spirit's never cared much for extravagant houses, deciding an average sized house would do them best.
A man in a brown suit greeted him at the door, Fire Spirit quickly recognizing the man as Wind Archer's dad, Millennial Tree. He was well known amongst the school and much less the county, a formal businessman with a charm and great respect. He was their band's main donor, believing that developing the arts was incredibly important for their young minds. He grinned upon seeing Fire Spirit, quickly stepping aside and welcoming him. “Dear flame! I'm so glad to see you here today! Are you planning to practice with Wind Archer?” He asked, knowing the answer already.
“Yeah, we have a duet together again.” He stated nonchalantly, already knowing the way to the Archer's room by heart in their maze-like house. “Thank you so much for inviting me though, Mrs. Millennial.” He stated, smiling softly and heading off towards the man's room.
The pathway was short, just a quick turn to the left and a short walk down the hallway to approach the grand room. It wasn't really that grand, just a bedroom with two doors at the entrance, something Fire Spirit considered rich. He gently knocked on the wood door, hearing some quick shuffling followed by the door opening. The man who stood there most definitely did not look like a man ready to practice his instrument, a perfectly tailored suit resting over his body, the collars sharp similar to his features. His hair was neatly put back into a bun, some strands falling loose over the birth mark on his forehead. He had a few vine-like hair clips positioned in separate places within the strands as well, making him look ethereal. Fire Spirit gawked for a moment, feeling incredibly underdressed in his black cargos and tank top.
Wind Archer paused for a moment, the slightest hint of a blush on his cheeks before gesturing for the man to enter before leading him into the large bedroom. He'd seen the room a few times, finding the dark wood that lined the room comforting frankly, and the numerous hints of flowers scattered in the foliage of plants. Yet, he couldn't get his eyes off of the man, he sinfully gazed at every crevice of skin revealed, having to quickly turn around as to not show his blush. “Hello” stated Wind Archer, taking the hint and also starting to set up his instrument.
“You're in a suit” commented the red head, tilting his head curiously “why? I thought this was a practice session?”
“The restaurant” he replied nonchalantly, putting his reed into his mouth before looking at the other “you're rather underdressed.”
“Where are you taking me dude?” He stated, frustration evident in his voice as he glared at the other “I didn't get some Royal ball invitation.”
“I thought” he paused, looking at him before shaking his head “it's alright, I'll give you some of my clothes.”
“Me? Your clothes?” He asked, sarcasm evident on his tongue before he laughed loudly. “Who do you think I am, Wind Archer?” The other stayed silent, a hint of hurt flashing across his face as he returned to his clarinet, playing his tuning note. Fire Spirit slightly stilled at the action, his eyes wandering off anywhere but the sad eyes of the other. “Uhm, sorry about the rude remark.” He stated almost robotically, looking into emerald eyes for a hint of some emotion or anything of such.
“No, it's alright.” He stated, instead playing his chromatic scale as a warm up a few times. Fire Spirit glanced around, taking his soaked oboe reed out and into his mouth. To end the awkwardness he began to also warm up, albeit having done so prior as to have the practicing session be as productive as possible. “We should start now, should we not?” He asked, glancing up at Fire Spirit who had stopped playing a few moments ago.
“Oh, yeah we should.” He replied, scooting his chair closer to the other's so he could see his music. He could feel the other's body heat gently radiating off of him and towards the spirit, albeit mostly being just warm, a stark contrast to the red one's heat.
The practice session went on as normal after that, a few snarky comments being exchanged between both sides. What truly caught Fire Spirit off guard was the random moment when Wind Archer called him “honey.” He said it in the same manner as the random school couples would when flirting, the action catching the spirit off guard. They continued playing though, the hour of planned time flying by as a symphony of sound echoed from the room. Eventually both embouchures grew tired, leading to the two agreeing to end there. Fire Spirit had started to pack up his things when the other came up to him, a fancy coat in his hands.
“What's that for?” He asked curiously, brushing his hands over the expensive fabric almost jealously.
“A gift, you can wear it tonight, then keep it.” He stated nonchalantly, even going as far as to put the coat on the spirit himself, admiring the way it adorned him. “I asked to have it in black and red, the colors you like.”
Fire Spirit looked at him with shock, as much as he loved the coat and would very, very gladly keep it, he was still incredibly confused on why the other was acting so friendly. “Thank you?” He asked and answered, glancing at him nervously “uhhhh I can drive us wherever it is?”
“It's only respectful for me to drive you there, is it not?” He asked, tilting his head as if he wasn't speaking riddles. Fire Spirit's face fell to a blush as he stared at him, confusion evident amongst his features.
“Uhm, okay, lead the way I guess.” The other nodded, a slight grin on his face as his hand gently held the others, earning an even more confused look from the red head as he was led to a car. It wasn't much obviously, who in their right mind would buy a new driver an expensive car, yet it felt more decorated than usual. As strange as it was to say, the spirit swore it was usually a bit more dirty or perhaps cluttered, never this clean. He glanced at the Archer who was already in the car starting the engine, his emerald eyes glancing up to the spirit as if inviting him. Out of basic respect he entered, noticing the soft smell of roses as well as the flowers in the backseat, the frustration growing further.
What finally caused him to snap was when the Archer randomly reached over and tucked a piece of hair behind his ear, the gentlest of smiles being met with fury from the man. “What is this?! What is going on?!?!” He exclaimed, making the other pause for a long moment.
“What? What do you mean by that Fire Spirit?” He asked innocently as if he wasn't treating the other like his husband.
“You're being so touchy! You're taking me to a restaurant, you gifted me an expensive coat, you've been smiling like a love sick idiot! What is up with you!” He hissed, breathing heavily after the small rant.
Wind Archer paused for a very long moment as if debating his words, his hand shrinking back towards the wheel. “I thought we were together?” He asked, tilting his head.
He swore he was going to combust upon hearing that sentence, his face turning a thousand shades darker as his eyes went wide. “When have I ever mentioned liking you? Much less DATING?” He exclaimed, gripping his hair.
“That one time you told everyone I was your boyfriend” he replied, shame written on his features “I thought you actually meant that.”
“What about the snarky comments? I'm making fun of you all the time! How did that not make you think twice!” He glared daggers into the other man's soul, watching him shrink slightly as he replied.
“I thought that was just your way of flirting” he mumbled, his hands gripping the steering wheel further “oh good Lord I'm so sorry Fire Spirit” he quickly turned into a parking lot, turning the car the opposite direction “here I can take us back and we can just forget any of this ever happened.”
Fire Spirit stayed silent, guilt filling his heart as he watched the deep shame that wrote itself over the other's face, his eyebrows slightly furrowed as tears brinked his eyes. “Okay” he responded quietly, also shrinking down into his seat as he looked ahead.
The rest of the car ride was dead silent, the two refusing to merely even glance into the other's face and search for any other emotion, eyes dead set on the road ahead. Fire Spirit glanced down at his arms at some point, recalling the warmth he felt when the other had grazed them so gently. His mind fell into a deep debate on the man, wondering if he truly hated him or if it was just stupid tomfoolery. What irked him more was the expression on Wind Archer's face. He was usually stoic, even nonchalant, he would sometimes smile ever so gently when hearing a joke, a true gentle giant, all that just to see him like this: sad. Fire Spirit glanced at the ceiling above himself before opening his mouth, allowing himself to take a deep breath before speaking.
“Wind Archer?” He felt the other shift, his face turning to look at the red head who sat still as a rock.
“Yes?” He replied, his fingers tapping against the wheel nervously.
“What does love feel like?” He asked, his voice as silent as that of a mouse's as his eyes met those of green. He watched them blink for a moment, glancing at the shorter before speaking.
“Well, I guess it's warm.” He stated, thinking for another moment “and comforting, and well, stupid.” He shrugged, “makes you do dumb things.”
“Hm” the spirit responded, looking ahead “and if I feel those things?” He asked, hearing a sigh filled with frustration.
“Fire Spirit listen, I know you're trying to make me feel better but don't force yourself to like me if you don't, okay? It would feel much worse for me to see you force yourself into loving me when you don't.” He sighed now, more anger coming out with this one “we can both just forget any of this ever happened and-” he paused when he saw Fire Spirit reach over and grab the wheel, making a sharp turn to the left “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?”
The car managed to perfectly enter a parking lot, Fire Spirit quickly maneuvering it to a better position before grabbing Wind Archer's face and kissing him passionately. The other paused for a long moment, his eyes wide as he tried to process what was happening. “If you want to be my fucking boyfriend then at least kiss me back.” He stated, crawling over into the other's lap and kissing him again. He could taste the flavor of reeds still on the other's tongue, still feel the exhaustion his tongue felt after that long practice session, the feelings and taste creating a borderline sinful taste.
“Fire Spirit, are you sure about this?” The Archer asked only to be silenced by another kiss.
“If I wasn't then why the hell would I be kissing you like this?” He replied, holding the man's face in his hands as he adjusted himself “I thought you said you were a good kisser, did you not?”
“You're being too rash, you just rejected me and suddenly you're on my lap kissing me like the world will end in the next few minutes?” He exclaimed, his hands resting on the other's hips.
“Geez, get a life, so what if it does, my dumbass just realized I love you.” He hissed, kissing the birthmark on his forehead.
“You do?” He asked stupidly, his face a sheath of deep red blush. “Are you sure?”
“Yes I'm sure!” He sighed dramatically. “Now c'mon, take me to that restaurant and let's have a proper date this time.” He grinned stupidly, holding onto the other's shoulders. The Archer merely nodded, kissing the other's lips one final time before turning on the car again.
—
Hey dad, I'm gonna stay over for the night, stuff happened.
Alright, what time are you coming back tomorrow?
Probably twelve or so? I was promised breakfast here.
Alright! Just stay safe kiddo!
Love you, dad
Love you too Fire
Fire Spirit set down his phone gently, nuzzling into the other's chest further as the movie before them both played. A gentle hand rustled through his hair, a soft hum coming from the chest on which he rested.
The spirit finally felt the warm blossom of love.